Sept 18 – Monchengladbach

By patmarkovich20151 hour ago

As a customs agent in Gemany said in response to our Canadian friend as she was awaiting her Entry Visa to the EU…. “No one comes to Monchengladbach for vacation!” With a laugh and a smile, he was expressing that this destination was not amount Germany’s highlights! Well, this being a home base for our very dear friend Alan, and the gathering place for many of his dear friends, I beg to differ! Well feel welcomed, indeed embraced as we share experiences and meals with these dear people. I guess you could call it a vacation space for the soul!

After doing some writing and emails, I felt it was time to go out for a stroll and discover a small part of this city. I headed off in the direction of the train station ( only a 10-15 minute walk from our place) and then carried on along the route Dan and I had taken earlier as we headed to diner in the Old Town a couple of nights ago.

While exploring the top of the wall before taking the steps down into the old city, I discovered the Basilica of St Vitus, which had a very interesting sculpture in front.

It appears to have a contemporary sculpture of the crucifiction, but I could be wrong.

Another interesting and unusual sculpture. I couldn’t find a plaque, so I guess it’s up to your imagination. Wha I can say is that. Believe this part of the city was destroyed during the Second World War. You can see houses folded and crushed in this depiction.

I headed down the stairs to Gero Park and caught a limps of the restaurant we ate in 2 nights ago.

Gero Brasserie – Outstanding Restaurant!

In Gero Park, I found a few more Canadians enjoying their European stopover!

Back up to the top of the hill I climbed and discovered the Rathaus.

And just next to the city hall was the City Church at the Old Market

This gothic style church is the only building in the neighbourhood that survived the bombings of WWII

From there it was time to head off and get back to our BnB. On the way, I made a quick stop in to the Minto Mall

Minto Mall, a 3 story shopping extravaganza

… and these extremely talented buskers, playing extraordinary music on the street! These musicians always brighten my day!

Back at the apartment it was time to get cleaned up and ready to head off to a special dinner at the home of our friend Alan.

We arrived at Alan’s and were greeted by Brec and Sandy, and Jane and Bob with Alistair and Karen arriving behind us. The night’s frivolities were about to begin!

The ladies were ready with their champagne! (Myself, Jane, Karen and Sandy)

We soon sat down to dinner and made a cosy and talkative crew.

Here is the full crew: Alan, myself, Brec, Bob whispering to Sandy, Dan, Karen, Alistair and Jane.

Alan gave his toast to those who we were missing! A lovely tribute to a number of friends, including our dear friends from Toronto.

We soon ate and drank our fill, and told stories upon stories! A wonderful evening had by all.

Tomorrow is Dan’s big 75th birthday! We are thinking about heading off to Cologne for the day and then back in time to get refreshed for Alan’s BIG party… the fun never stops here! Until then!